The Complete Guide to Renting a Car at San Juan Airport (SJU)

There’s a certain kind of magic that hits you the moment you step out of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan. It’s a wave of warm, tropical air, the distant, infectious rhythm of reggaeton, and the palpable feeling that an adventure is about to unfold. For many, that adventure begins behind the wheel of a rental car. While you can certainly have a fantastic time exploring the historic streets of Old San Juan on foot, having your own car is the key to unlocking the rest of what this incredible island has to offer—from the misty peaks of El Yunque National Forest to the surf-ready beaches of Rincón.

But let’s be honest, the process of renting a car, especially in a new place, can sometimes feel a little daunting. You’re tired from your flight, you’re excited to start your vacation, and the last thing you want is to get bogged down by confusing options, unexpected fees, or logistical hurdles. I’ve been there, and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Think of this as a friendly chat over coffee, sharing everything I wish I’d known before my first time renting a car in Puerto Rico.

This isn’t just about finding the cheapest deal; it’s about making the entire process, from booking to drop-off, as seamless as possible. We’ll cover the essentials, from which companies are right there at the airport to the nitty-gritty of local insurance and the one toll system you absolutely need to know about. So, take a deep breath and let’s get you ready to hit the road.

Before You Book: The Essential Checklist

The first, and arguably most important, step in your car rental journey happens long before you even pack your bags. Spontaneity is great for finding a hidden beach, but not so much for securing a rental car during peak season. My number one piece of advice is to book your car well in advance. I’m talking weeks, or even months, if you’re traveling during major holidays or the busy winter season. Waiting until the last minute is a surefire way to face sky-high prices and severely limited options.

When it comes to where to book, cast a wide net. Use aggregator sites like Kayak or Expedia to get a broad overview of prices from the major international players like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget. But don’t stop there. I’ve found that it’s also worth checking the rates directly on the rental companies' own websites, as they sometimes offer exclusive deals. Also, look into local Puerto Rican companies like Charlie Car Rental, which often have competitive pricing and a loyal following.

While you’re comparing, think realistically about the kind of car you need. A zippy convertible might look great in photos, but a more practical compact or mid-size sedan is often easier to navigate through the narrow streets of Old San Juan and more fuel-efficient for longer drives across the island. And here’s a pro tip I can’t stress enough: call your credit card company. Many premium travel cards offer primary or secondary rental car insurance (a Collision Damage Waiver or CDW), which could save you a significant amount of money. Just be sure to confirm that their coverage applies in Puerto Rico, as it’s sometimes an exception.

On-Site vs. Off-Site Rentals: What’s the Real Difference?

After a long flight, convenience is king. At SJU, you have two main options for picking up your car: on-site or off-site. The major rental companies—think Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, and National—have their counters conveniently located right in the airport terminal or a very short walk away in the main parking garage. This is the most straightforward option. You simply grab your bags, follow the signs, and head to the counter. There’s no waiting for a shuttle, which can be a huge plus when you’re tired and just want to get to your hotel.

Off-site rental agencies, on the other hand, are located a short drive from the airport. To get to them, you’ll need to take a dedicated shuttle bus. Companies like Sixt, Payless, and many of the local agencies operate this way. The primary advantage here is that their rates can sometimes be slightly lower because they don’t have to pay the premium fees associated with being located directly at the airport.

So, which should you choose? Honestly, it’s a trade-off between cost and convenience. If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, small children, or just value a hassle-free experience, the extra cost of an on-site rental is often well worth it. The time you save by not having to wait for and ride a shuttle can be better spent starting your vacation. However, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a little extra travel time, an off-site rental can be a great way to save some money. Just be sure to factor in the potential wait time for the shuttle when planning your arrival.

Navigating Insurance in Puerto Rico: A Must-Read

Okay, let’s talk about the least exciting but most important part of renting a car: insurance. The requirements in Puerto Rico can be a bit different from what you might be used to in the mainland US, so it pays to pay attention. First off, some level of liability insurance is mandatory and is typically included in your rental rate. This covers damage to other vehicles or property if you’re in an accident. However, the included amount is often just the legal minimum, which might not be enough to cover a serious incident.

This is where you’ll be offered a slew of optional coverages at the rental counter, and the most important one to consider is the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). This is what covers damage to the rental car itself. As I mentioned earlier, your credit card might provide this, but you must verify it. If you decline the rental company's CDW, be prepared for them to place a significant hold on your credit card—often several thousand dollars—as a security deposit.

If you don’t have coverage through your credit card, I strongly recommend purchasing the CDW from the rental company. Yes, it adds a daily fee, but driving without it means you are personally responsible for the full value of the car if it’s damaged or stolen. Given that some roads can be narrow and local driving can be, let's say, spirited, the peace of mind that comes with a CDW is invaluable. It’s the difference between a minor inconvenience and a vacation-ruining financial disaster.

The AutoExpreso Toll System: Don't Leave the Airport Without It

If you plan on driving anywhere outside of the immediate San Juan area, this is a critical piece of information. Most of Puerto Rico’s major highways are toll roads, and many of them are now completely cashless. You cannot pay with cash. Your E-ZPass or other mainland US toll transponders will not work here. You must use the local system, which is called AutoExpreso.

Every rental car company will offer you an AutoExpreso tag for a daily fee, plus the cost of the tolls you actually use. My advice is simple: take it. Do not decline this option to save a few dollars. If you drive on a toll road without an active transponder, the fines are steep, and the rental company will pass those fines on to you, along with a hefty administrative fee. It’s just not worth the risk or the headache.

Make sure the AutoExpreso tag is in the car and properly mounted on the windshield before you drive off the lot. This little tag is your key to seamlessly cruising the island’s highways, allowing you to focus on the stunning scenery instead of worrying about tolls. It’s a small, necessary expense that makes a huge difference in the quality of your road trip.

Hitting the Road: Tips for Driving Like a Local

Driving in Puerto Rico is an adventure in itself. The pace is faster, the style is more assertive, and things that are common courtesies elsewhere (like using a turn signal) are sometimes treated as optional suggestions. The best way to handle it is with a calm, defensive mindset. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you, be prepared for sudden stops, and don’t be surprised if someone creates a new lane where one didn’t exist before.

Traffic in and around San Juan can be intense, especially during morning and evening rush hours. If you can, plan your long-distance drives for the middle of the day to avoid the worst of the congestion. When you’re out on the island’s more rural roads, be aware that conditions can vary. While the main highways are generally well-maintained, smaller roads can be narrow, winding, and may have the occasional pothole.

Finally, when it’s time to return the car, give yourself plenty of time. Most rental companies have a "full-to-full" fuel policy, so you’ll need to fill up the tank right before you get to the airport. There are several gas stations near SJU, so it’s easy to do. A little planning and a lot of patience are all you need to make your Puerto Rican road trip an unforgettable experience. The freedom to explore this beautiful island on your own terms is a gift, and with these tips in hand, you’re ready to receive it.